New Miamisburg school a state-of-the-art facility

MIAMISBURG — Emily Goralski was conflicted about moving into Miamisburg Middle School.

“It’s a new feeling like it’s not really ours yet,” Goralski, 13, said earlier this month as students, teachers and parents checked out the new $17.5 million middle school.

On the other hand, the clarinetist in Goralski was excited to try out the soundproof practice rooms and recording equipment available in the new building.

“It’s something I’m really excited about,” she said, pausing in the long hallway outside the main office.

The new building’s “school within a school” design allows for small-group learning in the sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade classrooms.

The central cafeteria will seat 500 people, the school has 87 “wireless” classrooms — all equipped with “smartboards” — for 1,500 students, 200 more than its predecessor.

The latest innovations in student safety and energy efficiency are featured at the school. At 1:30 p.m. Aug. 28, the community is invited to a formal dedication of the building, dedicated to David S. Wood, a teacher, assistant principal and principal, and transportation supervisor for 30 years in Miamisburg.

Near the entrance, photos of Wood, as well as Ethel and Wilbur Neff and Anna K. Wantz, other prominent local educators, offer a link to the community’s past in a state-of-the- art facility.

LCD projectors are mounted on ceilings, voice amplification systems will help students and teachers hear each other. Grade-level wings are organized around the cafeteria and mezzanine.

“It’s ready to go,” said Superintendent Greg Whitehead, who said the opening is another step toward completion of new schools funded by a $78 million bond issue approved by voters in March 2008.

Miamisburg Middle School is at 8668 Miamisburg-Springboro Road.

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